Dorchester County Public Schools

School Counselor [skool kaunsɘlɘr] 🔊
noun (n)
1. A multi-tasking detective, who acts as a project manager in their spare time (spare time? what is that?)
2. Resolver of conflicts and restorer of hope.
3. Master of empathy.
4. Impressive facilitator of success.
*See also: Legendary scheduling ninjas

School counselors are more than words can capture — they’re trusted listeners, problem-solvers, and fierce advocates dedicated to supporting every student’s academic, social, and emotional well-being. Whether helping students overcome challenges or guiding them toward their future goals, they stand by their side through both the brightest moments and the toughest times.

We’re proud to have the best of the best — counselors who show up day after day with heart, dedication, and a deep commitment to our students’ success #withJOY.

To our schools counselors on #NationalSchoolCounselingWeek (and every day before and after) — thank you for always being there for our kids. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you! 💙

#NSCW26
#BelieveInUs

about 2 months ago, DCPS

DCPS Celebrates National School Counseling Week

Good Afternoon DCPS Families!

There is a slight chance of winter weather this evening, so just in case it impacts school tomorrow, students are being sent home today with their devices and/or paper learning packets.

If weather does cause a school closure, we will move to virtual instruction for the day. This is simply a precaution—we’re hoping Mother Nature cooperates and that we’ll see our students bright and early on Wednesday!

Thank you for helping us be prepared (and fingers crossed we won’t need it 🤞).

about 2 months ago, DCPS

As we strive to improve district communication and enhance transparency, we're excited to announce the launch of our brand-new monthly digital newsletter — your go-to source for all things DCPS! 📩🎉

At the start of each month, we'll provide you with the latest updates, inspiring stories, important dates, and helpful resources right at your fingertips! Whether it’s celebrating student achievements, sharing district news, or spotlighting upcoming events, our newsletter is designed to keep you connected and informed.

🔗Check out our first newsletter here: app.smore.com/n/d19y3

about 2 months ago, DCPS

This Black History Month, we proudly recognize and honor Dorchester County's legacy — a true cornerstone of Black American history. We honor the courage, resilience, and leadership of those who paved the way for freedom and equality. Their stories remind us of the power of community, the importance of justice, and the ongoing journey toward a more equitable future.

Join us this month as we celebrate this rich history and commitment to uplifting the voices and achievements of Black Americans — past, present, and future.

#BelieveInUs
#withJOY

2 months ago, DCPS

Good Afternoon!
Due to patchy ice on backroads, Dorchester County Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Monday, February 2, 2026. Please be safe!

2 months ago, DCPS

We’re excited to partner with PEP to offer a FREE program designed to help parents and caregivers strengthen family connections, support mental health, and encourage success in school — no matter the age of your child!

Whether you have toddlers, preschoolers, or kids in elementary, middle, or high school, this program is for YOU.

Here’s what you need to know:

📅 Virtual Sessions [for parents of K-12 students]
Sundays, 7–8:30pm on Zoom, starting February 8
Offered in English and Spanish (¡También disponible en español!)
🔗Register today at tinyurl.com/DoCo-PEP

🏫 In-Person at Sandy Hill Elementary [Two groups: Parents of PreK & Parents of K-12]
Mondays, 5:30–7:30pm, starting February 9 (English only)
Free dinner and childcare provided!
4 weeks in-person + 4 weeks online (details on registration)
🔗Register today at tinyurl.com/PEPatSHES

This is a wonderful chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside other DCPS families! 🤝

#BelieveInUs #withJOY

2 months ago, DCPS

Hello DCPS families and staff—this is a quick update from Winter Weather Headquarters ❄️

After Monday and Tuesday’s snow days, we’ve officially used all the snow days in our calendar. That means Wednesday, January 28, 2026, will be a virtual learning day for students.

Students should either log in for virtual learning, or—if your family requested a paper packet—work on the packet that was sent home last Friday.

Schools shared virtual learning details last week, so families should already have schedules and login information. If you need a refresher, please check your school’s messages.

Just a reminder that Thursday and Friday are professional development and semester transition days, so students will not be in session. Staff will participate in virtual professional development and should check their email for details.

Thanks for your flexibility—stay warm, and we’ll see our students online tomorrow!

2 months ago, DCPS

Due to the poor weather conditions, Dorchester County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, January 27, 2026. All schools and offices will be closed. Please be safe!

2 months ago, DCPS

Good Afternoon!

Due to the poor weather conditions, Dorchester County Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26, 2026. All schools and offices will be closed. Please be safe!

2 months ago, DCPS

⚠️Winter Weather Update from DCPS⚠️

A winter storm may impact our area this weekend (Jan 24-25, 2026). DCPS plans to open on a regular schedule on Monday, January 26, but we will monitor conditions closely and keep you informed of any changes.

❄️School Schedule - DCPS is scheduled to open for a normal school day on Monday, January 26.
❄️Weather Monitoring - If the storm moves in this weekend, we may need to close schools. Weather-related updates will be provided through the DCPS app, social media platforms, email, phone system, and website.
❄️Snow Days - DCPS has 2 more snow days built into our 2025-2026 school calendar. Maryland law requires us to use all built-in snow days before considering virtual instruction.
❄️Virtual Instruction - If the storm results in school closures beyond 2 days, we will switch to virtual instruction. Grades 1-12 will log into their devices to connect with teachers online. PK and K students will receive paper copies and can contact teachers for help.
❄️Preparation - Students with device agreements will bring devices home Friday; all other students and students in PK and K will receive paper assignments.

📅Possible Closure Plan:
❌Monday 1/26: If closed, no school
❌Tuesday 1/27: If closed, no school
💻Wednesday 1/28: If closed, virtual instruction begins
❌Thursday 1/29: Schools Closed for Staff Professional Development
❌Friday 1/30: Schools Closed for Change of Semester

We’re committed to being prepared and will keep you informed.

#BelieveInUs

2 months ago, DCPS

DCPS is monitoring for potential school closures the week of January 26, 2026 due to impending inclement weather

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—a man whose courage, love, and vision changed the course of history. He walked so we could run.

2 months ago, DCPS

Over the last two days, we had the honor of surprising our Staff of the Month recipients for the month of December! It is always an honor to recognize and pour into those who so selflessly pour into others! Our December recipients are: 👏 Hannah Smith – Teacher of the Month (North Dorchester Middle School) 👏 Susie Price – Administrator of the Month (Vienna Elementary School) 👏 Larissa Street – Specialist of the Month (Maple Elementary School) 👏 Deneen Francis – Support Personnel of the Month (Sandy Hill Elementary School) 👏 Greg Insley – People’s Choice Award (Dorchester Career and Technology Center) We are so grateful for these outstanding employees who lead #withJOY every day! Your passion and dedication inspire us all. Each of you plays a vital role in making Dorchester County Public Schools a place where students and staff thrive, and your efforts never go unnoticed! Know a great DCPS employee who deserves recognition? Submit your nomination here: http://bit.ly/4m0MyJ6 Let’s keep celebrating those who are dedicated to leading and empowering across our district! 💙 #BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

We are proud to announce that this evening at Dorchester Career and Technology Center, 45 students from North Dorchester High School and Cambridge-South Dorchester High School were proudly inducted into the National Technical Honor Society. This induction is more than a recognition of academic success and technical skill—it reflects these students’ dedication, hard work, and commitment to their chosen career paths. Each student has demonstrated excellence not only in the classroom but also in developing the skills and professionalism that will prepare them for future success. Congratulations to all the new members of the National Technical Honor Society—you have earned this honor through your perseverance and passion, and we know your futures are bright as you move toward the next part of your journey! ✨🕯

3 months ago, DCPS

National Technical Honor Society Induction

On behalf of Dorchester Educators we would like to announce that nominations are now open for the 2026-2027 Support Professional of the Year Award! This special honor recognizes the incredible contributions our Education Support Professionals make to their schools, communities, and the field of education. The award will be presented at the DCPS Awards Gala on April 9, 2026 — a celebration of excellence in our district.

If you know a DCPS support professional who goes above and beyond, demonstrating outstanding accomplishments and truly reflecting the vital role of ESPs in public education, we encourage you to nominate them!

Don’t wait! Submit your nomination to https://bit.ly/4pM6UYM by January 28, 2026!

Let’s shine a spotlight on the amazing work of our Education Support Professionals! ✨

#BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

Dorchester Educators ESP of the Year Nominations are LIVE

January is School Board Appreciation Month, and we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our Board of Education members who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From balancing late-night meetings to managing complex budgets and making tough decisions—their commitment is fueled by their passion for our schools and students. These dedicated members bring leadership, vision, and heart to everything they do, helping shape the future of our district #withJOY. This month, let’s come together to celebrate and thank them for their unwavering commitment to making DCPS a place where every student can thrive! ✨🎉

#BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

Nominations are now open for the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, Early Excellence Educator, and DCPS Team Members of the Year! All nominations must be submitted online by 8:00PM on January 21, 2026 to be considered.

Teacher of the Year
Nominees must have completed at least five years of successful teaching by the time of nomination. They must be professionally licensed, highly qualified full-time teachers who spend the majority of their time teaching. Nominees must continue teaching in Dorchester County through the 2026-2027 school year and be available to attend all events related to the Teacher of the Year program.

Selection process: Nomination lists will be sent to each school principal, who will select one school finalist. Finalists will be notified by DCPS Human Resources and will submit an application portfolio, participate in an interview, and have a classroom visit scored by a panel of judges. Scores from these components will determine the DCPS Teacher of the Year, announced at the DCPS Awards Night on April 9, 2026.

🔗Teacher of the Year Nomination Form

Early Excellence Educator
Nominees must be non-tenured teachers with fewer than three years of successful teaching experience and on track to achieve tenure. They must be highly qualified and spend the majority of their time teaching. Nominees must continue teaching in Dorchester County through the 2026-2027 school year.

Selection process: Nomination lists will be sent to each school principal, who will select one school finalist. Finalists will be notified by DCPS Human Resources and will submit an application portfolio along with a video recording of a lesson. A panel of judges will score these materials to select the DCPS Early Excellence Educator, announced at the DCPS Awards Night on April 9, 2026.

🔗Early Excellence Educator Nomination Form

Team Members of the Year
Nominees must be full-time Dorchester County Public Schools employees. Eligibility for finalists will be determined by their supervisor and/or school principal. One winner in each of the following categories will be selected by a panel of judges based on a rating rubric:

Service Above Self

Community Connections

Impact

Leadership

🔗Team Member of the Year Nomination Form

All finalists will be notified by Friday, February 27, 2026 and celebrated at the DCPS Awards Gala on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Casey O'Bier (obierc@dcpsmd.org) or Mrs. Shamya Johnson Stover (johnsonsh@dcpsmd.org), your Teacher of the Year and DCPS Awards co-coordinators.

3 months ago, DCPS

We celebrate our amazing Career Coaches every single day — but today, on National Career Coach Day, we’re taking a special moment to shine an extra bright spotlight on two extraordinary DCPS leaders: Ms. Shay Lewis-Sisco and Ms. Sandy Shaw! 🌟

These incredible coaches go above and beyond to create immersive, hands-on opportunities that help our students explore their passions and discover exciting career pathways. From inspiring conversations to real-world experiences, Ms. Shay and Ms. Shaw are opening doors and lighting the way for our students’ futures.

Thank you both for your dedication, heart, and the difference you make in our students’ lives #withJOY. Here’s to you — our champions of dreams and possibilities! 💙✨

#BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

Meet Ali Bahar from North Dorchester High and Souhaila Doutoum from Cambridge-South Dorchester High — two students stepping into exciting new roles as Computer Repair Technician Apprentices.

Thanks to the strong foundation they’ve built with our amazing computer science teachers, Ali and Souhaila are now gaining hands-on experience working side-by-side with our IT team. Souhaila is learning the ropes with Ms. Stephanie Adams, while Ali is sharpening his skills alongside Mr. Rob Carpenter.

This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of Dorchester Career and Technology Center’s Ms. Ashley Robinson and Ms. Angela Bozman, and the dedication of DCPS’s Supervisor of Information and Instructional Technology, Ms. Cindy Houghtaling, whose collective leadership helped launch these IT apprenticeship opportunities and create pathways for students to explore careers in technology.

We’re proud to support our students as they turn their passions into skills #withJOY that will carry them far beyond the classroom. Here’s to the next generation of tech leaders — right here at DCPS! 💻🌟

#BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

At North Dorchester Middle School, students recently took an exciting step toward their futures #withJOY during the Career Networking Event held on Thursday, December 18th. This unique opportunity gave middle school students the chance to explore a variety of career paths and connect with professionals who shared insights about their work and the journeys that led them there. They even got to chat with Dorchester Career and Technology students about the careers they are currently getting in-depth experience in! Thanks to the dedication of Career Coach Ms. Shay Lewis-Sisco and school counselors Ms. Hunteman and Mr. Nibblett, the event was a vibrant space where curiosity met opportunity. Students asked questions, discovered new possibilities, and began to imagine the many ways their talents and passions could shape their futures. Events like this remind us that every student has incredible potential waiting to be unlocked. At DCPS, we’re proud to create experiences that inspire our young learners to dream big and prepare for the careers of tomorrow—right here, today. #BelieveInUs

3 months ago, DCPS

📢 DCPS is excited to share the recommended 2026-2027 school calendar and invites our community to provide feedback! Your input is important to us as we plan for the upcoming school year.

🔗You can find the English and Spanish calendars here: https://bit.ly/4sra46C

Please send your comments by email to Nancy Harrington at harringtonn@dcpsmd.org.

3 months ago, DCPS